Black Works Studio Killer Bee (4 1/2 x 46)

James Brown, creator of Black Label Trading Company (BLTC) and partner at Fabrica Oveja Negra, is launching Black Works Studio as a showcase for the boutique cigar factory in Esteli, Nicaragua.

“Part of the motivation for opening our own factory, Fabrica Oveja Negra, was to experiment and develop unique blends highlighting Nicaraguan tobacco. Black Works Studio (BLK WKS) is my first opportunity to use our factory as my playground. Blending cigars is my passion and I ended up with several blends and ideas on the shelf, the time was right to launch a new brand. My inspiration comes from many things; art, movies, music, etc. that ultimately result in a new cigar blend. I have always looked at cigar making as an art form and BWS is another expression of what I can do as a cigar maker and brand owner.”

“Keeping with our small batch philosophy BLK WKS showcases Fabrica Oveja Negra’s ability to not only create unique premium cigars but also bring new brands into the market,” continues Brown.

Three cigars were released:

NBK, 6 x 46 box press corona larga

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Habano Oscuro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Killer Bee, 4.5 x 46 petite corona (REVIEWED TODAY)

Wrapper: Ecuadorian maduro

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Rorschach, 5 x 38 petite panatela

Wrapper: Ecuadorian habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

This is a well made, good looking dark cigar. It features the signature linear cap. It reminds me of a bumble bee.

The foot features the closed foot just like the NBK.

The test draw after cutting the cap was effortless. The initial flavors were espresso, black licorice, cream, dry wood, and massive amounts of black pepper rated at a 9.

About one inch in the cigar made a change. You no longer have the black licorice and cream but you do have sweet chocolate notes. The espresso and black pepper remain massive. The finish is one of dry wood and sweet cream with a ton of lingering black pepper. The cigar is medium to full bodied and there is little doubt it will move up.

2 inches in there are still massive amounts of espresso, sweet chocolate, dry cedar, and massive amounts of black pepper. The cigar is full bodied now. The finish is unchanged. The NBK had a lot of black pepper but this cigar has even more!

The cigar lasted about 43 minutes and the flavors did not change from the last segment. This is a very dark noted cigar with lots of black pepper. It is full bodied. I enjoyed the sweet chocolate notes. This is a good, solid, powerful cigar and another great addition to the Black Works Studio portfolio. Very good cigar.